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The International Animal Rescue team found Pelansi severely
dehydrated and barely clinging to life near a palm plantation in April.

His trapped hand had become necrotic and he had injured his elbow in his desperate attempts to free himself from the trap.

Emergency: Medics from International Animal Rescue battle to save Pelansi who was severely dehydrated after being trapped by the snare for around ten days

Desperate: Pelansi's future had looked bleak when he was first found by the International Animal Rescue Team

Back in the swing of it: Pelansi is expected to live a normal life after having his hand and part of his right arm amputated

Under threat: Campaigners say Pelansi's story is a telling example of how orangutans are being threatened by the palm oil industry in Borneo

In the first few days, animal medics were worried he wouldn't pull through.

But after complex surgery to amputate his hand, Pelansi has battled
back and vets think he should be able to lead a normal life.

Campaigners say the incident highlights how palm oil production is killing off the habitat of the orangutan by clearing forest in order to make more room to grow the crop.

According to International Animal Rescue, the land where Pelansi was found is home to a large number of orangutans that have fled from a new palm oil plantation.

Palm oil is a widely used in cosmetics and processed food.

Alan Knight, from International Animal Rescue, said : 'We have all been eagerly awaiting the day of Pelansi’s release.

'When endangered species like the orangutan are in crisis, every single individual counts.

'Pelansi’s story is cause for celebration, not only because his life has
been saved, but also because his reintroduction into the wild is a small
but symbolic step in support of orangutan conservation.'

Desperate: Pelansi has had months of intensive treatment and rehabilitation after surgery to amputate his hand and arm

Delighted: The International Animal Rescue team said they were pleased that they were able to release Pelansi back into the wild

The team: The rescuers who found Pelansi and saved his life in the forests of Borneo

Happy: Pelansi is said to have fully recovered after the trauma of losing his arm